Deer season begins with probably plentiful game

12:44 AM,
Nov. 11, 2012

Wildlife biologists estimate deer populations using a formula based on the number of harvested bucks, like these three fine whitetails photographed in Ontario County. Deer hunting with firearms opens Saturday in New York's Southern Zone.

Written by

When firearms season for whitetail deer opens on Saturday, the question hunters will ask one another most is certain to be, "Did you see any?'' ¶ And after last year's mild winter, there is an exceptionally strong chance the answer will be "Yes.'' ¶ According to the Department of Environmental Conservation's Region 8 office in Avon, the deer herd in western New York made it through last winter in excellent condition with a minute mortality rate. Add to that a growing trend among hunters of passing up yearling (1.5-year-old) bucks and there are perhaps more trophy deer afield than at any time in ...